GITAM Visakhapatnam B.Tech {Lateral} Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Visakhapatnam, Andhra PradeshDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1980NAAC Grade A++ 3.5
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - May 26, 2026

The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in Data Science (Lateral Entry) is a 2-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by GITAM School of Technology at the Visakhapatnam campus. This lateral entry programme is designed for diploma holders and students who have completed their first year of B.Tech from recognized institutions. The programme equips students with cutting-edge skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The annual tuition fee is approximately 4,05,000 (semester-wise: 2,02,500 per semester). The primary entrance exam is GITAM Admission Test (GAT), though AP/TS ECET, DCET, and other state technical board scores are also accepted. The programme typically admits around 40-60 students annually through lateral entry. This is a full-time on-campus course requiring regular attendance. The B.Tech Data Science programme is highly popular among students seeking careers in data analytics, AI/ML engineering, and technology innovation, combining theoretical knowledge with practical industry-relevant skills.

Admissions for 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The last date to apply is 16 April 2026, with the entrance examination scheduled for 19 April 2026. Results will be announced on 19 April 2026, and the final admission deadline is 2 May 2026. Counselling and seat allocation will follow the results announcement. Students must qualify in GAT 2026 or accepted state technical board exams (AP/TS ECET, DCET) to be eligible for lateral entry admission.

Key Points

  • Cutting-edge curriculum in Data Science with specialization in AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Cyber Physical Systems
  • Liberal education model allowing 24 credits across different schools including Business, Humanities, Architecture, Law, Sciences, and Physiotherapy
  • Industry collaborations with leading companies including Infosys, Maini Group, and DronaVyuh Technologies
  • Application Centres of Excellence in AR/VR, Autonomous Systems, and Biomedical devices
  • Mandatory venture development course (2-credit) encouraging innovative product development with real business potential
  • Access to Murti Multidisciplinary Research Centre and Technology Exploration and Product Engineering (TEPE) Centre
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GITAM B.Tech Data Science Lateral Fees

The B.Tech Data Science (Lateral Entry) programme at GITAM Visakhapatnam has a transparent fee structure designed for lateral entry students. The annual tuition fee is 4,05,000, payable on a semester basis. Students opting for full annual payment receive a 3% discount on the total payable amount. Tuition fees increase by 5% to 8% in the subsequent year. Additional charges for hostel, food, and other facilities are separate and optional. The university offers extensive merit-based and need-based scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible candidates.

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Annual)
Tuition Fee (Semester 1)2,02,500
Tuition Fee (Semester 2)2,02,500
Total Annual Tuition Fee4,05,000
Hostel Fees (Optional)To be confirmed
Total Fees (Tuition Only)4,05,000
  • Students paying full annual fee upfront receive 3% discount.
  • Tuition fees increase by 5-8% in the final year.
  • Hostel and food charges are additional and optional.
  • All fees are subject to 5-8% annual increase in subsequent years.

GITAM B.Tech Data Science Lateral Admission 2026

The admission process for B.Tech Data Science (Lateral Entry) at GITAM is merit-based and transparent, designed specifically for diploma holders and students who have completed their first year of B.Tech. Admissions are conducted through GITAM Admission Test (GAT) or state technical board exams including AP/TS ECET and DCET. The university follows a first-come-first-served basis for scholarship allocation. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and qualify in the entrance examination to proceed to counselling and seat allocation.

College-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27)

EventDate
Last Date to Apply16 April 2026
Entrance Examination (GAT)19 April 2026
Results Announcement19 April 2026
Counselling & Seat Allocation20-26 April 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment (Scholarship Candidates)26 April 2026
Final Admission Deadline2 May 2026

Entrance Exam Dates (2026)

ExamRegistration StartRegistration EndExam DateResult Date
GITAM GAT 20261 January 202616 April 202619 April 202619 April 2026
AP/TS ECET 2026To be announcedTo be announcedTo be announcedTo be announced
DCET 2026To be announcedTo be announcedTo be announcedTo be announced

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Diploma holders in any engineering discipline from recognized polytechnics or equivalent institutions
  • Students who have completed first year of B.Tech from recognized universities with minimum 50% aggregate marks
  • Qualified in GITAM Admission Test (GAT) or accepted state technical board exams (AP/TS ECET, DCET)
  • Indian citizen or NRI/OCI/PIO status; foreign nationals are also eligible

Admission Process

  • Register on the GITAM admission portal (apply.gitam.edu) and fill the application form with personal and academic details
  • Select B.Tech Data Science (Lateral Entry) as the preferred programme and choose the Visakhapatnam campus
  • Pay the application fee of 600 and submit the form before the deadline
  • Appear for GITAM GAT or submit scores from AP/TS ECET/DCET as per eligibility
  • Participate in counselling based on merit rank and select your preferred seat
  • Complete fee payment and document verification to confirm admission

GITAM B.Tech Data Science Lateral Scholarships 2026

GITAM offers comprehensive scholarship schemes to support deserving and meritorious students pursuing the B.Tech Data Science (Lateral Entry) programme. Scholarships are awarded based on merit (entrance exam performance), need-based criteria (family income), and special categories including sports and employee benefits. Merit scholarships up to 100% of tuition fees are available, with additional need-based support for eligible candidates. Scholarship allocation follows a first-come-first-served basis with limited seats available under each scholarship category.

Merit-Based Scholarships for Lateral Entry (Based on GAT/AP-TS ECET/DCET 2026 Scores)

Scholarship %GAT 2026 ScoreAP/TS ECET & DCET 2026 Branch RankState Technical Board % (Except AP, TS, KA)
100%141-2001-10095-100
75%131-140101-50091-94.99
60%121-130501-100088-90.99
40%111-1201001-150083-87.99
25%101-1101501-300080-82.99
15%86-1003001-500070-79.99

Additional Scholarships:

  • Employee Children Scholarships: 60%, 40%, and 20% based on employee salary
  • Loyalty Scholarships: 10% for alumni children, siblings, retired employee children, and GITAM employee spouses
  • Sports Scholarships: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 15% for recognized sports achievements
  • Need-Based Scholarships: Upgraded merit scholarships for candidates with family income below 12 LPA (75% to 100%, 60% to 75%, 40% to 60%, 25% to 40%, 15% to 25%)
  • Hostel Scholarships: Additional 20% scholarship for hostel fees for need-based scholarship recipients in 15%, 25%, 40%, and 60% slabs
  • Merit scholarships apply only to the first year; continuation requires minimum CGPA of 8.0.
  • Need-based scholarships require submission of parents' tax documents (Form-16/ITR) during counselling.
  • Combination of scholarships should not exceed 75% of total fees.
  • Scholarship allocation is on first-come-first-served basis with limited seats.
  • Application deadline for scholarships is before the closure of admission cycle as notified by the university.

GITAM B.Tech Data Science Lateral Placement 2026

GITAM School of Technology has established strong placement records with consistent industry engagement and student placements across technology and data science sectors. The B.Tech Data Science programme benefits from the school's extensive network of recruiters including leading IT companies, data analytics firms, and technology startups. Based on recent placement data, students from the B.Tech Data Science programme have secured positions in leading organizations with competitive salary packages.

Placement Statistics (2024-25)

MetricValue
Number of Recruiters530+
Number of Placement Offers3500+
Number of Students Placed90%+
Highest Salary Package46.5 LPA
Average Salary Package4.8 LPA
Median Salary Package4.8 LPA
Placement Rate90%+

The B.Tech Data Science graduates are recruited for roles including Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, System Architect, and Research and Development Engineer. Top recruiters include Amazon, Atlassian, TCS, Infosys, and leading technology companies. The programme's emphasis on data science and AI/ML expertise makes graduates highly sought after in technology and analytics roles.

GITAM B.Tech Data Science Lateral FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between regular B.Tech and lateral entry B.Tech Data Science?

Ans. Regular B.Tech is a 4-year programme for 12th pass students, while lateral entry B.Tech is a 2-year programme for diploma holders or students who have completed their first year of B.Tech. Both programmes cover similar content but lateral entry students join in the second year and complete the remaining curriculum in 2 years.

Ques. Is the B.Tech Data Science degree recognized by AICTE?

Ans. Yes, the B.Tech Data Science programme at GITAM is fully recognized by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education). The degree is equivalent to a regular B.Tech degree and is accepted by all employers and for higher studies.

Ques. What are the career options after completing B.Tech Data Science?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts, System Architects, Project Managers, and Research and Development Engineers. Many also pursue higher studies like M.Tech or MBA for specialized roles in data science, artificial intelligence, or business management.

Ques. Does GITAM provide internship opportunities during the lateral entry B.Tech programme?

Ans. Yes, the B.Tech Data Science curriculum includes mandatory internships and practical training. Students get opportunities to intern with leading IT companies, data analytics firms, and technology startups. The university has collaborations with companies like Infosys, Maini Group, and DronaVyuh Technologies for internship placements.

Ques. What is the placement scenario for B.Tech Data Science graduates from GITAM?

Ans. GITAM School of Technology has a strong placement record with 90%+ placement rate for B.Tech graduates. The average salary package is around 4.8 LPA, with highest packages reaching 46.5 LPA. Graduates are placed in leading IT companies, data analytics firms, and technology startups. Top recruiters include Amazon, Atlassian, TCS, and Infosys.

Ques. Can I pursue further studies after B.Tech Data Science?

Ans. Yes, B.Tech Data Science graduates can pursue M.Tech in specialized areas like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Cybersecurity. Many also pursue MBA for business management roles or specialized postgraduate programmes in data science from premier institutions. Some graduates opt for PhD programmes in computer science for academic and research careers.

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